Well, that explains it, I guess...Sensei got his first few dan degrees in Yoshinkan (Yoshinkai?), but then also studied under Chiba Sensei as well, before forming his own association, so especially since I was new to all this, I never knew if it was the former influence, the later, or just his personality that made our classes the way they were.

I do know that between his insistence on correct behavior and insistence on dedicated training, dojos have only seemed easier as I've moved around---but it's all good